The genus Cardiocondyla includes small ants known for their unusual and highly specialized social behaviors. These ants are typically small, often just a few millimeters in length, and are usually yellowish, brown, or black. Cardiocondyla ants are found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, forests, and even urban areas, with many species being widely distributed across temperate and tropical regions.

One of the most distinctive features of Cardiocondyla is the presence of wingless, ergatoid males, which are morphologically distinct from the winged males seen in most ant species. These ergatoid males often engage in lethal fights with each other to gain control over the colony's reproductive females. The genus is also known for its small, polygynous colonies, meaning they often have multiple queens, which can contribute to their success in a variety of environments.